| Description |
1864 25C PR68+ S Cameo NGC. CAC. Even among such a stellar assemblage as the Eric P. Newman coins, some standout examples are simply of impeccable quality, coins unequalled in their aesthetic appeal as well as their technical or numerical grade. Those coins exist, by the dozens, in the Newman Collection. This 1864 Seated quarter, certified by NGC in the incredible grade of PR68+ S Cameo, is one such coin. The assigned grade made us wonder how many Seated quarter proofs are graded PR69 Cameo or finer. The answer: five at NGC, all of which are dated 1880-90. PCGS has never assigned the PR69 grade to any Seated quarter, regardless of contrast level. The PCGS Population Report is dotted with the occasional PR68 coin in Cameo (or even Deep Cameo); but again, all of those high-grade examples are from the 1880s-1890s. The more remarkable fact is this: Every one of the Eric P. Newman proof Seated quarters from the Civil War years of 1861-65 is in PR68 S Cameo grade at a minimum, with the exception of the 1863 at PR67 S Cameo. Such grade levels -- reflecting the top-notch quality and originality of the Newman Collection -- are unprecedented, and this auction is, quite simply, one that will never be repeated. Ever. One major force in the numismatic marketplace has already made the astute observation that the Newman coins are unlikely to be traded around in the numismatic aftermarket. These are prizes that collectors will, for the most part, buy and hold tightly for decades -- as indeed their present owner has done. With the Plus, Star, and Cameo modifiers in addition to the PR68 grade assigned, one could argue that this 1864 Seated quarter is the finest of the 1861-65 Seated quarters. But again, it is the uniform quality of the collection that is even more remarkable. The NGC Census Report shows three submissions in PR68 (non-Cameo), and this piece, in 68+ S Cameo (10/13). Ex: Eric P. Newman Numismatic Education Society.
Realized $141,000.00 . Description courtesy of Heritage Auctions, ha.com. |
